On Monday, October 15th, I had the pleasure of attending a presentation at the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) Heads and Chairs Conference in Calgary, Alberta, led by Mr. Robert Evans, entitled “Why a school doesn’t run or change like a business.” The next day, at Trinity College School in Port Hope, Dr. Elspeth Murray – former TCS parent, current governor and strategic planning expert – held listening sessions for our faculty and staff to collectively explore the challenges and opportunities facing TCS for the next five to 10 years, as part of the School’s strategic planning process now underway.

These two events provide the inspiration for the content in this blog post. I strongly believe that prior to starting to plan for the future of our students, and for the School as a whole, it is important that we all understand the differences between a business and a school.

The legalization of marijuana in Canada has not gone unnoticed in school communities. This change in Canadian law does not change Trinity College School’s rules and position with respect to the drug. To be absolutely clear, the School does not support, condone or allow for exceptions with respect to the use of marijuana, or alcohol, for young people. Period.

First and foremost, we are legally bound to uphold the province’s “age of majority,” which is, for both aforementioned products, 19 years of age. The vast majority of our students are below the age of 19. In the rare situation of a student that is of age, the School is very clear that possession and usage, including paraphernalia associated with the drug, are still not permitted at TCS – and there are no exceptions. Also, it is important to note, that the law also states that pot is not allowed on educational premises.

In the last couple of weeks at TCS, the word “courage” has been referenced many times. Courage was written on the back of this year’s Terry Fox T-shirts which were worn by members of our school community running in support of a cure for cancer; it was mentioned by our guest speaker, Juno-nominated musician Peter Katz, as he spoke to students at the recent Scholars’ Evening; and it was referenced in chapel when our chaplain, Major The Revd. Canon Don Aitchison, spoke about TCS alumni who fought and lost their lives in service 100 years ago during the Great War.

When we think of, or try to describe, courage, we often think of examples of significant personal risk, heroism, daring, valour and fearlessness.Certainly some of the examples mentioned above exemplify this kind of courage at a very high level. Serving your county on the battlefield or running across Canada to rally support for the fight against cancer are easily seen as courageous acts.

There was an instantaneous appeal, to many parents at least, when hearing of France’s recent ban on smartphones in schools. The decree, by President Emmanuel Macron, which also included the banning of tablets and computers, appeared so simple to issue, easy to implement and popular, regardless of political bent. After all, the vast majority of data on the impact of cellphone use on adolescents is overwhelmingly negative. In short, the research indicates, more screen time for kids means less long-term happiness. So, take the phones out of kids’ hands and their futures will be brighter. Voila!

Like most other parents around the world, I would posit that the majority of TCS parents would support, in principle, the edict by France’s president. So why has TCS not banned cellphones?